Firmino on missed chances, LFC's front four and Ronaldinho-inspired celebrations

Roberto Firmino acknowledges Liverpool's missed chances in recent matches have been tough to take, but he's in no doubt the goals will soon start to flow for the team.

The Reds have seen good goalscoring opportunities go begging in their last handful of fixtures, including during the midweek 1-1 draw with Spartak Moscow in Russia.

Firmino himself was left clutching his head in his hands in that Champions League tie when he failed to convert a couple of openings as Jürgen Klopp’s side couldn’t manage to turn one point into three.

Nevertheless, given the quality of attacking options within the squad, and the sheer quantity of chances that are being carved out game after game, the No.9 is convinced a change in fortunes is just around the corner.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was an unfortunate night for our team that we didn’t manage to score the goals to get us the win.

“We had a lot of chances, but unfortunately we didn’t manage to finish them to get the three points. Our group is still open and we have a big chance to qualify. We’re going to fight until the end.

“I am very tough with myself whenever I miss chances to score. I want to continually improve – I want to improve my finishing, my technique and score whenever I get the chance to.

“It is important to stay positive. We have created a lot of chances to score and that’s better than not creating them. I hope in coming games and the games after them, we’ll be able to finish them and achieve victories.”

For the first time this season, Klopp was able to field Firmino ahead of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho – an attacking quartet he described as “an unbelievable threat” during his pre-Newcastle press conference on Friday.

“It’s excellent, to play with these three,” said the Brazilian. “It’s very important for me and for everyone.

“It’s very good for the entire team, but I like playing with the three of them. They’re really nice lads, good people, and I hope that we can help Liverpool to the absolute maximum to play well.”

Coutinho was deployed in a deeper-lying midfield role behind the front three on Tuesday, while Salah and Mane provided the support for Firmino in the wide positions.

Asked about the role of his compatriot, the forward said: “He firstly has to feel good, it’s about what he’s feeling so he can get the most out of the game, but the position he is picked in he has to make the best out of.

“With Sadio and Mo, they’re giving us quite a lot of chances on goal. They’re very quick and we’re enjoying playing with the two with the speed they give us. They’re giving us a lot of chances to create goals, which is really important for the team.”

On a personal level, Firmino has scored four goals in 10 appearances so far this term – and each of those strikes have resulted in some fairly unique celebrations.

Chatter on social media suggested Brazil legend Ronaldinho was the inspiration behind the moves.

“It’s true, the last goal I scored, the celebration was inspired by Ronaldinho,” smiled Firmino. “I am always searching for a new celebration.

“So whenever I score a goal, I am always looking for something new and a new way to celebrate.”